LDU soldiers prepare to take position for range shooting at 4th Division training school Lugore in Gulu District. Photo By Julius Ocungi

The police in Aswa River Region are investigating circumstances
that led to the alleged shooting of a 23-year-old man by unidentified Local
Defence Unit personnel on Tuesday night in Agago district.

Willy Oloya, a peasant and resident of Mugila west village, Lagwa parish in
Adilang Sub County was reportedly shot on his left thigh at about 10 pm.

It’s reported that Oloya and another unidentified man were intercepted at
Orakubang swamp in Mugila village, near Adilang trading centre by eight LDU
personnel patrolling the area to implement the Presidential Directives.

The LDU personnel attached to Lacekotoo LDU detach were commanded by a one Odoi
under the instructions of LCIII Chairperson of Adilang sub-county Mohammed
Okwir.

Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson says the duo
briefly after being intercepted were asked to identify themselves but they
instead fled away into a nearby bush.

He says the LDU personnel later opened fire at the fleeing civilians, shooting
Oloya on the left thigh, while another person escaped without injuries.

Okema notes that the victim was rushed to Dr Ambrosoli Hospital Kalongo where
he is still receiving medical treatment.

He says they have opened an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the
shooting since those deployed had not received directives from Officer in
charge of Adilang Police Station.

Okema notes that they have retrieved cartridges from the crime scene which will
be taken at the police forensics laboratory for examination. He adds that they
are also investigating the matter to find out the person who shot the victim.

A case of attempted murder by shooting has been registered at Adilang Police
Station.

This comes as the president has repeatedly warned security personnel against
using excessive force on people defying the curfew rules.

On Tuesday, eleven police officers accused of aggravated torture
of Elegu Town Council residents were remanded to Gulu Central Prison.